Fermentation

Spicy Fermented Daikon Radish Recipe. Many times when I am looking for something new to try fermenting, I try to find out why other cultures may have chosen to ferment particular foods.

A few weeks ago, I decided to try some daikon. These radishes are served often by the Japanese, and with good reason. They are an amazing source of digestive enzymes that help to break down fats, carbs and protein. Of course these digestive benefits are increased by fermentation! These enzymes also help dissolve mucus in the respiratory system. It has the important amino acid cysteine, which means it also helps with detoxification: [Daikon]…is a very effective diuretic. Enzymes are destroyed by cooking pretty quickly, so fruits and vegetables are especially beneficial in their raw state.

I asked around for a good recipe but ended up winging it a little, what resulted was really good! This is great eaten on its own, as a condiment or thrown in a salad! Spicy Fermented Daikon Recipe (Makes 1 quart) Directions 1.
How To Turn Any Juice Into Lacto-Fermented Soda. At Nik's suggestion, we lacto-fermented this standard, store bought grape juice that we had in our pantry from our grocery-shopping days (read about how we quit the grocery store here.)

The grape soda that resulted was exceptionally delicious, perfectly sweet and bubbly without being cloying like a canned soda. Plus, fermentation greatly reduces the sugar content in juices and increases the beneficial enzymes and lactic acid. I like that we took pasteurized juice off the shelf, a basically dead, sugar loaded food (it has no added sugar, but still) and brought it to life through natural fermentation. You really can ferment anything, any sweet liquid can be vitalized this way. Why drink plain old juice when you can make it bubbly, and much better for you? As a kid, I always chose grape or orange flavors when we were given soda, so I am very excited to be able to make this healthy version.

It provides your body with probiotics, healthy bacteria, which are responsible for maintaining healthy microflora in the digestive track. Instead of taking a probiotic supplement, just drink a glass of water kefir a day. It’s much more cost-effective than spending money on those expensive probiotic supplements at the store. To fully understand the healthy advantages of water kefir, I recommend that you read my extensive blog What is Water Kefir and How To Make It. Happy kefir making! To Buy Grains & Supplies Visit Like this: Like Loading...
Natural Water Kefir Benefits and Side Effects for Autoimmune. Water Kefir Grains What is Water Kefir?

Water kefir is made from kefir grains, also known as sugar grains, tibicos, tibi, or Japanese water crystals. The grains make up cultures of various strains of healthy bacteria and yeast, held together in a polysaccharide matrix created by the bacteria. The symbiotic relationship of the microbes produces a stable growing culture. The microbes feed on sugar and produce lactic acid, alcohol (ethanol), and carbon dioxide, yielding a fermented carbonated beverage. What are the Autoimmune Natural Health Benefits of Water Kefir? They are a natural supplier of Probiotics to our digestive track. UPDATE 7/3/13 - CONFIRMATION THAT WATER KEFIR WORKS FOR GOOD BACTERIA – Review the Metametrix Gut Ecology Test Results for bacteria levels within my system. What are the Side Effects of Water Kefir? Although some have reported candida-like issues, it usually stems from detoxification and only lasts for a few days.

How to Make Authentic Water Kefir : Supplies and Ingredients. Encouraging Water Kefir Grains to Multiply. Generally speaking, once established water kefir grains will multiply*.

While at times they can be reluctant to do so, here are a few tips to give you the best odds of seeing your kefir grains multiply: Give the Kefir Grains Adequate Time If you just started working with your kefir grains, there may be a bit of an adjustment period and therefore they may not multiply immediately. This is particularly true if you are working with kefir grains that were shipped in a dehydrated state.